“You were the first person to make me believe I could change, Georgia. But when everything happened, I didn’t want to bring you down with me. I knew I’d messed everything up. That I didn’t deserve you…”
Georgia shook her head. “That isn’t true. Not at all.”
He kissed her forehead. “I wanted to apologize the second I saw you at Good Start. I came in that day with that purpose, but when I saw how upset you still were… the way you looked at me. I knew I needed to give you time, and I needed time to talk to Griffin about everything. Make sure he was okay with me telling his story.”
“Has Griffin gotten help?” she asked quietly, wrapping her arms around his waist.
Lake nodded, tucking her head under his chin. “He’s aRegengrad, too. He’s had a rough go of things, but it’s getting better. And my parents and Evan both know the truth. They have for a while now.”
“I’m sorry, Lake.” She sniffled into his chest, and he held her tighter. “I wish I could change everything, but you… you helped me see myself, too. I was working so hard for all the wrong reasons. Even back in high school.”
“I love how you serve people, Georgia. I love how unselfish you are. How you adore your family, the shop, and your cozy little apartment.”
She grinned up at him. “You do?”
“So much.” He pulled her close before she could respond, his face closer and closer to hers. “And that first night I came by with the books, when you said we didn’t even like each other before I came back home? That’s never been true, Georgia. Not now. Not… then. Not ever. Not for me, anyway.”
“It’s never been true for me either.”
Lake closed his eyes with something like relief washing over his face.
“And what you said at the soup kitchen in the parking lot,” she said quietly.
“What did I say?”
“That you wanted friendship.”
Lake nodded and let his fingers trace against her cheek, over her lips, and then under her chin, lifting her face to his. His other hand found hers, and he let his thumb pass across her hand. One. Two. Three small, precious swipes.
“Yeah, that’s true. I do want friendship, Peaches. I want to laugh with you and fight our little word battles. I want to drive you kind of crazy.”
Georgia bit her lip, more tears brimming in her eyes. Lake put his hand behind her neck and drew her closer. “I want to serve with you, and I want to take care of you when you’re sick. I want to be a part of your weird footie pajama traditions, and I want to make new traditions with you. I want to be your best friend, Georgia. I want… more.”
Georgia nodded her head, smiling through overwhelmingly happy tears.
Yes,the nod said,I think we could give ‘more’ a try.
“And now, Georgia Snow,” Lake said, a smirk lifting his cheek, making that annoying little dimple appear, “I’d like to show you how much I want more.”
“And kiss me silly?” she asked.
“Yeah, Peaches.” He lowered his lips to hers, connecting them together tenderly. Languidly. No need to rush or prove anything further, as he’d shown her his heart over and over again so thoroughly. Georgia soaked in the warmth of his arms, the smell of cinnamon on his breath, and the way her own heart seemed to settle in her chest.
Home. She was really and finally home.
As they pulled apart, gazing at each other, the marching band began to playWalking in a Winter Wonderland, and the parade took off down Main Street. Golf carts were lit to the brim with flashing Christmas lights, kids lined the streets for candy, and a very jolly Santa waved from the final cart as if he’d lived for that very moment.
Lake kissed Georgia again then leaned into her ear so she could hear above the noise. “Wanna go on that date now?”
When she nodded again, he pulled her under the twinkly lights and into the fray of Christmas chaos.
20
O HOLY NIGHT
PHIL WICKHAM
NOW
